North Korea’s Desire for Nuclear Weapons
Political Science 370-International Conflict
Jacob Schmitt
Abstract
As we consider the possibility of North Korea obtaining more advanced nuclear weapons while also becoming more vocal about their desire to use them in influencing global politics, we ask ourselves, “Why nuclear? Why a sudden surge of activity in North Korea?”. To understand this sudden assertion by North Korea, it is important to consider the historical context of this conflict while also gaining an understanding of the current political regime. By analyzing the system of governance in North Korea in its historical context, I will attempt to answer the question, “What led North Korea to develop Nuclear Weapons”. Many global …show more content…
The United States was able to designate North Korea the “aggressors” via UN charter and shortly thereafter invoked the full power of the United Nations. Military forces from the UK, Australia, the United States, and Canada were all rushed to the peninsula to reinforce the existing troops and delay further DPRK advances. The North Korean forces were well trained and made large advances initially but their momentum slowed as more UN reinforcements arrived. Under the direction of the famous American General, Douglas MacArthur, two divisions made a surprise landing at Inchon behind the advancing DPRK forces which effectively cut off their supply lines and made them withdraw. The North Korean forces were then pursued across the 38th parallel moving close to the Chinese border. The Communist (also Pro-Soviet) Government of China became uncomfortable with UN forces close to their border and sent their own troops to reinforce North Korea. Chinese Leader Mao Zedong stated that this advancement North of the 38th parallel towards his country was “armed aggression against Chinese territory”. MacArthur and other leaders had made the decision to keep their momentum in advancing North but it had aggravated their neighbors who felt that they were being threatened. MacArthur had assured President Truman in a meeting on Wake Island in October that the war would be over by …show more content…
Many of the most well-known events happened in the late 1960’s and it is suspected that it was partly caused as a diversion during the cold war. In January 1968, a platoon of North Korean Commandos from the DPRK’s most highly trained “Unit 124” infiltrated South Korea and attacked the “Blue House” where South Korean President Park Chung-hee lived. The commandos were unsuccessful and eventually all caught and killed except for one who is suspected to have to have escaped across the DMZ.
Recent Developments
Assessment
Conclusion
References:
The World Factbook: KOREA, NORTH. (2017, January 12). Retrieved April 24, 2017, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/kn.html
Hahn, B., & Lee, C. (2017, March 13). North Korea. Retrieved April 19, 2017, from https://www.britannica.com/place/North-Korea
North Korea: History. (n.d.). Retrieved April 19, 2017, from https://globaledge.msu.edu/countries/north-korea/history
Hickey, M. (2011, March 21). BBC - History - World Wars: The Korean War: An Overview. Retrieved April 25, 2017, from http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/coldwar/korea_hickey_01.shtml
The Blue House Raid – North Korea's Failed Commando Assault on Seoul. (2017, February 15). Retrieved April 27, 2017, from
Political Science 370-International Conflict
Jacob Schmitt
Abstract
As we consider the possibility of North Korea obtaining more advanced nuclear weapons while also becoming more vocal about their desire to use them in influencing global politics, we ask ourselves, “Why nuclear? Why a sudden surge of activity in North Korea?”. To understand this sudden assertion by North Korea, it is important to consider the historical context of this conflict while also gaining an understanding of the current political regime. By analyzing the system of governance in North Korea in its historical context, I will attempt to answer the question, “What led North Korea to develop Nuclear Weapons”. Many global …show more content…
The United States was able to designate North Korea the “aggressors” via UN charter and shortly thereafter invoked the full power of the United Nations. Military forces from the UK, Australia, the United States, and Canada were all rushed to the peninsula to reinforce the existing troops and delay further DPRK advances. The North Korean forces were well trained and made large advances initially but their momentum slowed as more UN reinforcements arrived. Under the direction of the famous American General, Douglas MacArthur, two divisions made a surprise landing at Inchon behind the advancing DPRK forces which effectively cut off their supply lines and made them withdraw. The North Korean forces were then pursued across the 38th parallel moving close to the Chinese border. The Communist (also Pro-Soviet) Government of China became uncomfortable with UN forces close to their border and sent their own troops to reinforce North Korea. Chinese Leader Mao Zedong stated that this advancement North of the 38th parallel towards his country was “armed aggression against Chinese territory”. MacArthur and other leaders had made the decision to keep their momentum in advancing North but it had aggravated their neighbors who felt that they were being threatened. MacArthur had assured President Truman in a meeting on Wake Island in October that the war would be over by …show more content…
Many of the most well-known events happened in the late 1960’s and it is suspected that it was partly caused as a diversion during the cold war. In January 1968, a platoon of North Korean Commandos from the DPRK’s most highly trained “Unit 124” infiltrated South Korea and attacked the “Blue House” where South Korean President Park Chung-hee lived. The commandos were unsuccessful and eventually all caught and killed except for one who is suspected to have to have escaped across the DMZ.
Recent Developments
Assessment
Conclusion
References:
The World Factbook: KOREA, NORTH. (2017, January 12). Retrieved April 24, 2017, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/kn.html
Hahn, B., & Lee, C. (2017, March 13). North Korea. Retrieved April 19, 2017, from https://www.britannica.com/place/North-Korea
North Korea: History. (n.d.). Retrieved April 19, 2017, from https://globaledge.msu.edu/countries/north-korea/history
Hickey, M. (2011, March 21). BBC - History - World Wars: The Korean War: An Overview. Retrieved April 25, 2017, from http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/coldwar/korea_hickey_01.shtml
The Blue House Raid – North Korea's Failed Commando Assault on Seoul. (2017, February 15). Retrieved April 27, 2017, from